BOSTON—Three men are facing serious charges after a dramatic drug bust netted approximately 99 kilograms of cocaine—a staggering street value of around $1.4 million. The indictments were announced by federal authorities today, following a thorough investigation that spanned multiple locations, including Revere, Massachusetts; Colton, New York; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Joel Betances, 43, of Revere; Noel Betances, 42, of Chelsea; and Reylin Segura, 31, of Boston have all been indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances. Reports indicate that Joel and Noel Betances were also charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, while Noel Betances faces an additional charge of distributing 500 grams or more of the drug. Segura has also been indicted for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

The investigation into this operation began in 2023, when authorities intercepted packages allegedly containing narcotics being shipped from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts. One package, seized in June 2023, reportedly contained five kilograms of cocaine. Surveillance footage later revealed that between June and September 2023, the Betances brothers were observed retrieving additional packages in Chelsea, Revere, and Boston.

In a shocking twist, on July 26, 2025, Joel Betances allegedly supplied an associate with 25 kilograms of cocaine intended for transport to New York. Authorities later seized this shipment in Colton, New York. Just weeks later, on August 12, 2025, investigators witnessed Betances leaving a Revere residence with a box, which he handed over to Segura in exchange for a plastic bag. The box contained four kilograms of cocaine, while the bag was reportedly filled with close to $58,000 in cash. A subsequent search of the Revere residence uncovered an additional 65 kilograms of cocaine and approximately $341,780 in bundled cash.

The potential penalties for these serious charges are severe. If convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine, the defendants face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, as well as hefty fines reaching up to $10 million. The stakes are high, with the possibility of life-altering consequences hanging over them.

Images from the official U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts press release.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at dismantling drug trafficking organizations and restoring safety to communities across the nation. As the investigation continues, federal authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to combat the trafficking epidemic plaguing Massachusetts and beyond.